Music
**The Paul Leslie Hour**

For 22 years, The Paul Leslie Hour has been about one thing: helping people tell their stories. From legends of arts and entertainment to today’s cultural voices, Paul Leslie brings conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes every week.

Latest Episodes:

#503 - James Malcolm Cobb - Best Christmas Ever Special Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

#503 - James Malcolm Cobb

The James Malcolm Cobb "Best Christmas Ever" radio broadcast is featured on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Back in the radio days, I did an interview with classical guitarist, harmonica player, composer, and entertainer James Malcolm Cobb. He had just recorded and released his album "Best Christmas Ever."

Now, I've heard a lot of Christmas records, but this one is the king of them all. It's solo classical guitar. One instrument, no vocals. Every tune flows into one another to make a complete listening experience that includes 23 selections. I invited James Malcolm Cobb into the studio where we did the interview and played quite a lot from the CD.

Right now, the CD is out of print. I've seen a copy online for $969. What can I say, it's that good. However, with the kind permission and goodwill of James Malcolm Cobb I've made the entire radio show available in the podcast format. This is complete, with all of the music. It was a very special show and I'm pleased and honored to get it out there. Merry Christmas to you and enjoy "Best Christmas Ever" with James Malcolm Cobb.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#502 - Dylan Orenstein Dec 21, 2020

Show notes

#502 - Dylan Orenstein

Dylan Orenstein is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Although Dylan Orenstein's official title is Chief Investment Officer, he likes to say he "works for Jimmy Buffett." Working for such a versatile artist with so many interests, means those who work for him do a variety of things. Take for instance the new studio album from Jimmy Buffett: "Songs You Don't Know By Heart," of which Orenstein was an Associate Producer.

Does discussion about unpopular poets and ice cream belong side by side? If you're Dylan Orenstein, the answer is yes. For the impassioned Jimmy Buffett fan, you'll be very glad you tuned into this in-depth interview. He's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour!

#501 - Charles L. Granata Returns Dec 18, 2020

Show notes

#501 - Charles L. Granata Returns

Chuck Granata is a returning guest to The Paul Leslie Hour.

He is a noted Sinatra historian, author and producer. Granata has produced a new deluxe reissue of Frank Sinatra's sixth studio album: "Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra." Originally released 70 years ago, this reissue has been created in cooperation with IMPEX Records and Sony Music's Legacy Recordings. It's been released as both a limited edition vinyl LP and SACD/CD hybrid.

Granata and the team have spared nothing to create an unsurpassed, unprecedented listening experience for audiophiles and Sinatra fans alike. Granata's discourse in this video includes history, the art and science of recording, personal reactions and his lingering curiosities. It's an in-depth look at a milestone recording, something that must be seen and heard to fully appreciate. This interview is an interesting and passionate exchange for the discerning Frank Sinatra fan and anyone lucky enough to hear the reissue!

Chuck Granata is right here, on The Paul Leslie Hour.

#500 - Butch Hancock Dec 16, 2020

Show notes

#500 - Butch Hancock

Butch Hancock is the special guest on Episode #500 of The Paul Leslie Hour!

He is a man who has been called a "master of words" and "one of the finest songwriters of our time." Butch Hancock is a vocalist, performer and recording artist. He's also a visual artist (both a painter and a photographer). He is a member of the renowned group the Flatlanders, along with Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. His released numerous recordings through the years and his songs have been interpreted by people like Emmylou Harris and the late Jerry Jeff Walker.

This interview is quite revealing and sheds a lot of light on Hancock's creative process and writing. It's a fascinating look into the mind of a great writer. Butch Hancock is right here on The Paul Leslie Hour!

#499 - Charley Pride Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

#499 - Charley Pride

This is a never before released interview with Charley Pride.

Charley Pride has passed away at 86 years of age. There are only a handful of country singers of his legendary magnitude. His performances and recordings were some of the most beloved. An inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was also a Grand Ole Opry star.

Born in Sledge, Mississippi in 1934, he was the fourth child born of eleven children. He loved baseball and music. He was able to do both professionally.

As a recording artist he will forever be known for his signature song "Kiss an Angel Good Morning," he recorded and performed so many great songs. Some of them include "Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town," "Burgers and Fries," "Roll on Mississippi," "Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)," and so many others.

This interview was recorded just minutes before he would take the stage at Anderson Music Hall in Hiawassee, Georgia. You can hear a nearby bluegrass band rehearsing. Efforts to improve the sound quality were made. A video version of this interview is available on YouTube and on www.thepaulleslie.com

Charley Pride was a giant and an icon in country music, but it was rare to meet a star who was so genuine and warm. He was as real as they come. His authenticity shined through always and I hope you will listen to some of his exceptional recordings as a way of remembering him.

#498 - Engelbert Humperdinck Returns Dec 11, 2020

Show notes

#498 - Engelbert Humperdinck Returns

Engelbert Humperdinck is a returning guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

The music of Engelbert Humperdinck continues to endure! Known for such songs as "Release Me," "The Last Waltz," "This Moment in Time," "After the Lovin'," "A Man Without Love," and many others, Engelbert has sold more than 140 million records and performed in concert around the world.

In this interview, Engelbert talks about his latest release, the EP entitled Sentiments. It includes songs by Elton John, Bob Dylan, Charlie Chaplin and a song made famous by Elvis Presley.

Engelbert also discusses his very first Christmas special which will be airing worldwide on Looped on Saturday, December 12th (8:00 PM London/3:00 PM NY/ 12:00 PM LA). He gives the listeners a hint about one song he'll be performing.

Engelbert Humperdinck is back on The Paul Leslie Hour!

#497 - Gary Hahn of the National Comedy Center Dec 09, 2020

Show notes

497 - Gary Hahn of the National Comedy Center

Gary Hahn is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

What the world needs now...is some laughs.

If you agree with that, you may enjoy visiting the National Comedy Center. USA Today called it the "best new museum in the country" and TIME magazine proclaimed it as "one of the world's 100 great places."

The museum is based in Jamestown, New York which is the hometown of Lucille Ball. It is the nation's official cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vital story of comedy in America. And there is a bill that says so!

Gary Hahn, the Marketing Director of the National Comedy Center dropped in on The Paul Leslie Hour. Not only will it inspire you to visit the Center, but it may cause your appreciation for the art form to grow even more.

He's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

#496 - Dave Martin Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

496 - Dave Martin

Dave Martin is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour, with exclusive musical performances.

Dave Martin is a part of the great American tradition of singer-songwriters. He's released his album entitled Imagination in Focus. Dave is somewhat reminiscent of Todd Snider with a touch of Arlo Guthrie and Jimmy Buffett (and a smattering of Steve Goodman).

You could say he writes and performs "story songs." It's a pleasure to welcome Illinois-based singer-songwriter and recording artist Dave Martin! He's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour. Tune in.

#495 - Terrance Simien Dec 04, 2020

Show notes

495 - Terrance Simien

Terrance Simien is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Our guest on this trip is someone I've wanted to talk to for a long time. Terrance Simien and his band make beautiful, joyous music. He's had more than 35 years experience with more than 8,500 shows under his belt in more than 45 countries.

Grammy award-winning Terrance Simien of the Zydeco Experience has just released a new album entitled Ancestral Grooves. It's worth getting your hands on it! So here's the audio/visual experience of the Terrance Simien interview coming at you. Don't be surprised if Terrance serenades you!

#494 - Merrill Kelem Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

494 - Merrill Kelem

Merrill Kelem is a special guest on The Paul Leslie Hour.

From what he's seen and heard, Merrill Kelem paid attention to the details. As an interesting individual, he makes for a great broadcast.

He's had a verse range of experiences and if you're interested, you can find out a lot. For one Merrill Kelem is a retired Atlantic City Police Officer and he served in that capacity for 3 decades. He was also a security consultant for the great Frank Sinatra. He also worked in security for Frank Sinatra, Jr.

He's been featured in many magazines and newspapers and now you can hear directly from him on this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour. Ladies and gentlemen, it's an interview with Merrill Kelem.